Research First

Finding time to clean your home can be a challenge with the busy lives we all lead these days. So getting a little help, at a reasonable price, is very appealing. It starts with research.

"Connect with your local family and friends, ask if they're using one specifically and what their experience was with that house cleaning service," Bryan Oglesby with the Better Business Bureau said.

Your next stop should be online. Check out a company’s customer reviews and see whether they have complaints.

"Also look for that BBB accredited seal,” Oglesby said. “That's going to let you know the Better Business Bureau has screened them, monitored them, and approved them to our standards."

The Science of Cleaning

The Cleaning Pros out of Odessa got the BBB seal. The owner said there's more to doing it right than you might realize.

He explained there’s a science to it from using the correct cleaner on the floor to not cross contaminating rooms.

For the customer it's all about delivering what they want.

"When we started the business, we found a lot of customers didn't really know what the cleaners were going to do and they've hired a service but I'm not happy.  We found out the reason they weren't happy, they were expecting something that the company didn't do,” owner Chuck Terpstra said.

It’s a good idea to ask a potential cleaning company what they do at every home. If you want something specific, communicate that up front so the cleaning team is prepared to do it.

And don't forget about safety.

Safety Concerns

"When we hire cleaners, what we do is we go through a very thorough background check after the interview process. We also do psychological testing," Terpstra said.

Also, be sure to ask if the company is licensed, bonded, and insured. That way you're protected if a cleaner gets hurt in your home or if something is damaged or stolen.

House cleaners generally charge by the hour or a flat rate based on the size of your house. It’s a good idea to interview at least three companies to get an estimate before selecting one to hire.

Click here for more information on house cleaners from Angie’s List.

Community Impact

The Cleaning Pros aren’t just about cleaning homes. They also like to help support their community.

The company takes part in the Cleaning For A Reason campaign. Through it, cleaners offer to clean the homes of women undergoing treatment for cancer.  For more information on the program, click here.